Latest news with #ResiliencetoOrganisedCrimeinCommunities
Scoop
12-07-2025
- Scoop
Trusted Porirua Rangatahi Programme Expanded As Part Of National ROCC Initiative
Porirua Whānau Centre is proud to be part of the Government's new Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) work programme, launched in Porirua last week. As a trusted community provider with deep relationships in the region, the Whānau Centre is expanding its Ko Wai Au programme to support rangatahi and their whānau with tools to prevent harm from methamphetamine and organised crime. Delivered in local schools, Ko Wai Au currently focuses on violence prevention, anti-bullying, digital safety, and suicide awareness. The Whānau Centre will now incorporate new modules targeting the risks and social impacts of organised crime, particularly meth-related harm. 'Our kaimahi already have strong relationships with tamariki and rangatahi,' said Porirua Whānau Centre CEO Liz Kelly. 'They're firm but fair, and they bring real energy to the classroom. That makes a big difference when delivering tough messages to young people in a way that sticks.' The programme targets Year 5 to Year 8 students (aged 8-12), with additional one-on-one support available for those identified as needing extra help. The Whānau Centre will also wrap its broader whānau services around these students and work closely with other ROCC-aligned organisations to ensure coordinated support. Teacher feedback from the existing programme has been overwhelmingly positive. One said: 'The tutors really connect and relate well to our tamariki.' Another commented on the value of repetition in reinforcing key messages: 'They think about the consequences before they act.' Kelly said the Whānau Centre's involvement in ROCC reflects the importance of grassroots leadership. 'When solutions are driven by people who know their community, the work goes deeper. 'The trust our community has in us to create safe spaces helps deliver a strong message, and helps our young people see a future that's free from violence, addiction and exploitation.'
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Scoop
Porirua Launches Resilience To Organised Crime In Communities Work Programme (ROCC)
Porirua has officially joined the rollout of the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) work programme – a collaborative, community-led initiative designed to address the social conditions that enable organised crime and to support lasting change for whanau. The launch, held at the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua today (Thursday 3 July) brought together local and national leaders to celebrate the expansion of the programme. Associate Minister of Police, the Honourable Casey Costello formally marked the occasion alongside key partners including Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Police, and the Greater Wellington Regional Public Service. ROCC supports communities to respond to harm in ways that are locally led, socially grounded and enduring. The programme recognises that enforcement alone is not enough – lasting impact comes from working alongside whānau, iwi, and local organisations to address the drivers of harm. Kāpiti-Mana Area Commander Inspector Renée Perkins welcomed the programme as a huge opportunity to make a difference to families and communities impacted by organised crime. 'We know that that ROCC works and what sets it apart is its commitment to coordinated, wraparound responses - that is Police, iwi, partner agencies and community working side by side. 'Enforcement is an important part of reducing harm in our communities, but we also know the reality of whānau left behind when a loved one is arrested, or imprisoned. At the heart of the ROCC community plan is building a resilient, strong, and thriving Porirua – which says to whānau, the whole system and community are here to support you through the tough times. 'ROCC can be a game changer for whānau impacted by organised crime, and for the wider Porirua community,' she said. The ROCC in Porirua team is focused on building trust, strengthening local relationships, and supporting sustainable solutions. Steve Johnson from Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira said 'The most powerful voices shaping ROCC are the voices of lived experience. People who've seen addiction tear through their whanau. Who've watched their children fall into harm. Who've fought their way back from darkness. 'The people who know what works are the ones who've walked the path. That's why lived experience isn't just included in ROCC. Its centred,' he said. The ROCC Work Programme in Porirua has four key focus areas which have been identified as priorities by the local community: • Addressing the social drivers and harms associated with methamphetamine use. • Preventing intergenerational harm by disrupting pathways into organised crime. • Persons impacted by methamphetamine and its associated harms. • Rangatahi (youth) on the pathway into organised crime (and their families) Associate Minister of Police Hon Casey Costello said: 'The coalition government is strongly focused on law and order and making our communities safer. We are committed to developing a sustainable funding model for ROCC so that communities are supported to develop responses to organised crime that work for them.' She pointed to ROCC's clear value, in Tauranga and Opotiki where, where ROCC teams helped local communities after enforcement activity targeted gangs and meth supply – pairing law enforcement with on-the-ground social support. Porirua's approach exemplifies the wider ROCC kaupapa: community-led, regionally supported and nationally enabled. It centres community voices and leadership, especially those with lived experience, while building trusted partnerships across agencies. The Porirua event was an opportunity to reflect the Porirua community's perseverance towards long-term, sustainable change and will be embedded in community, led with manaakitanga, and focused on connection and celebration. Porirua Community representative Tania Carr says Porirua has never waited to be told what to do—we lead from within. This kaupapa reflects that. It's grounded in our people, our history, and our belief that real change happens when community leads and agencies walk alongside. A central feature of the launch, was the unveiling of a powerful mural, co-designed by local rangatahi and a Porirua based artist. The mural represents resilience, whakapapa, and the strength of the community in the face of adversity. It stands as a visual reminder of the kaupapa behind ROCC – that lasting change is rooted in connection, identity, and hope for the future. The event also celebrated the community's vision for its rangatahi with a dedicated youth event following the formalities offered a safe, fun environment during the school holidays. The space was designed in response to recent school holiday periods that saw over $70,000 in damage across schools in Porirua – a stark reminder of the need for positive outlets for young people. 'Sports give rangatahi more than just something to do – it gives them a team, a purpose and a reason to stay on the right track' says Steve Johnson. This kind of prevention-focused, community designed solution is exactly what ROCC exists to support. The programme is about responding to harm – but also about creating space for hope, healing, and change.
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Scoop
Arrests, Assets Restraints Following Police Operation Targeting Greazy DogsMC
Press Release – New Zealand Police On 17 18 June, Police carried out 35 search warrants at properties across Tauranga, including the Greazy Dogs MC pad. Those arrested as a result of these warrants include senior members of the Greazy Dog MC, including the national vice president and the … NZ Police have this week dealt a significant blow to the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine by the Greazy Dogs MC in western Bay of Plenty this week, with the arrest of several members and associates of the gang, and the restraint of more than $1.5 million of assets. On 17 – 18 June, Police carried out 35 search warrants at properties across Tauranga, including the Greazy Dogs MC pad. Those arrested as a result of these warrants include senior members of the Greazy Dog MC, including the national vice president and the sergeant at arms. 'The arrests and asset restraints this week mark the successful culmination of a National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) operation that began in late 2024,' says Detective Inspector Albie Alexander. 'This operation – Operation Kingtide – identified the Greazy Dogs MC as controlling the methamphetamine supply across the western Bay of Plenty, through local manufacture.' Search warrants executed located firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, cannabis and approximately $25,000 in cash. In addition, Police's Asset Recovery Unit has restrained more than $1.5 million of assets to date, including two residential properties, two cars and three motorcycles. Further search warrants are being carried out this week and more arrests and charges are likely. 'With the arrest of these senior gang members and the seizure of their equipment and assets, I'm confident we have dealt a significant blow to the Greazy Dogs' methamphetamine operation, and the supply of methamphetamine in the western Bay of Plenty,' says Detective Inspector Alexander. 'Police will continue to focus on the enforcement and disruption of such criminal groups, who are dealing primarily in the sale and supply of methamphetamine into our most vulnerable communities.' Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson, has welcomed the arrests of the Greazy Dogs MC members and associates, saying he has seen first-hand the immense harm that methamphetamine causes in communities in Bay of Plenty and across New Zealand. 'The Greazy Dogs MC, as with other gangs involved in the supply of methamphetamine in New Zealand, are in this for the money. They don't care about the enormous damage the drug is doing to families in our communities, even though many of them are parents themselves. All they are interested in is how much money they can make for themselves and their associates.' Working alongside the officers undertaking enforcement action this week has been the team from the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) programme, which takes a multi-agency approach to help address the social conditions that feed the emergence or growth of organised crime, and the harms that flow from it. Op Manawaroa (Resilience) has run alongside Operation Kingtide and is led by Bay of Plenty ROCC, with assistance from other ROCC regions including Eastern, Southern and Porirua. 'What this looks like in practice is officers and senior advisors from our ROCC team visiting homes after search warrants have been executed, looking to engage and support families and whānau of those arrested,' Superintendent Anderson. 'Our local ROCC team, with the support of other Police harm prevention work groups, local agencies, iwi and community partners, will continue to work with families and whānau of those affected. This is a long-term approach to prevention and in response to mitigating and preventing further harm and offending.' Arrest and charge details to date: 25-year-old Tauranga man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine 34-year-old Mt Maunganui man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply 34-year-old Papamoa man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession for supply of methamphetamine 33-year-old Mt Maunganui man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply, and conspiring to supply cocaine 37-year-old Tauranga man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply.
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Scoop
Arrests, Assets Restraints Following Police Operation Targeting Greazy DogsMC
NZ Police have this week dealt a significant blow to the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine by the Greazy Dogs MC in western Bay of Plenty this week, with the arrest of several members and associates of the gang, and the restraint of more than $1.5 million of assets. On 17 – 18 June, Police carried out 35 search warrants at properties across Tauranga, including the Greazy Dogs MC pad. Those arrested as a result of these warrants include senior members of the Greazy Dog MC, including the national vice president and the sergeant at arms. 'The arrests and asset restraints this week mark the successful culmination of a National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) operation that began in late 2024,' says Detective Inspector Albie Alexander. 'This operation – Operation Kingtide – identified the Greazy Dogs MC as controlling the methamphetamine supply across the western Bay of Plenty, through local manufacture.' Search warrants executed located firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, cannabis and approximately $25,000 in cash. In addition, Police's Asset Recovery Unit has restrained more than $1.5 million of assets to date, including two residential properties, two cars and three motorcycles. Further search warrants are being carried out this week and more arrests and charges are likely. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'With the arrest of these senior gang members and the seizure of their equipment and assets, I'm confident we have dealt a significant blow to the Greazy Dogs' methamphetamine operation, and the supply of methamphetamine in the western Bay of Plenty,' says Detective Inspector Alexander. 'Police will continue to focus on the enforcement and disruption of such criminal groups, who are dealing primarily in the sale and supply of methamphetamine into our most vulnerable communities.' Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson, has welcomed the arrests of the Greazy Dogs MC members and associates, saying he has seen first-hand the immense harm that methamphetamine causes in communities in Bay of Plenty and across New Zealand. 'The Greazy Dogs MC, as with other gangs involved in the supply of methamphetamine in New Zealand, are in this for the money. They don't care about the enormous damage the drug is doing to families in our communities, even though many of them are parents themselves. All they are interested in is how much money they can make for themselves and their associates.' Working alongside the officers undertaking enforcement action this week has been the team from the Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities (ROCC) programme, which takes a multi-agency approach to help address the social conditions that feed the emergence or growth of organised crime, and the harms that flow from it. Op Manawaroa (Resilience) has run alongside Operation Kingtide and is led by Bay of Plenty ROCC, with assistance from other ROCC regions including Eastern, Southern and Porirua. 'What this looks like in practice is officers and senior advisors from our ROCC team visiting homes after search warrants have been executed, looking to engage and support families and whānau of those arrested,' Superintendent Anderson. 'Our local ROCC team, with the support of other Police harm prevention work groups, local agencies, iwi and community partners, will continue to work with families and whānau of those affected. This is a long-term approach to prevention and in response to mitigating and preventing further harm and offending.' Arrest and charge details to date: 25-year-old Tauranga man - charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine 34-year-old Mt Maunganui man - charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply 34-year-old Papamoa man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession for supply of methamphetamine 33-year-old Mt Maunganui man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for supply, and conspiring to supply cocaine 37-year-old Tauranga man – charged with participating in an organised criminal group, supplying methamphetamine, offering to supply methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for supply.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Northland's Meth Crisis: ‘There's No Magic Wand For Any Of This'
Article – RNZ Organisations trying to help people get off meth in Northland towns like Kaikohe say they are overwhelmed by 'a tsunami of need'. More funding – and residential care for addicts trying to quit – is desperately needed to tackle the problem, they say. Wastewater testing has shown methamphetamine use tripled in Northland last year, which now has the unenviable title of meth capital of New Zealand. Tia Ashby heads Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi, a Kaikohe-based iwi organisation that provides housing, health services and programmes like Paiheretia, which helps men caught up in the Corrections system. She said the meth crisis was 'real, complex and growing'. 'We see the daily toll it takes on whānau, on their wairua, their homes and their hope. We do what we can, but the reality is, the demand is outpacing our capacity,' she said. 'We're just not funded at the scale needed to respond to the tsunami of need we are facing.' Jade and Scott – they did not want to give their last names, because their work brings them into contact with organised crime – are employed by Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi as kaiarataki, or navigators, helping meth addicts and their whānau get the help they need. Jade said the problem was getting worse, and the money spent on drugs meant other family members missed out on essentials. 'The biggest thing that we see is the effect on the kids, on the mokos. You've got whānau that are going without kai, the living conditions can be appalling. It's a real pandemic, you could call it, and has some real atrocious effects.' Scott said the men they helped came with a whole raft of problems, including homelessness, poor health, mental distress, and crime. But when they burrowed deeper, they often found the underlying cause was meth. Scott said there were many reasons behind the drug's prevalence. 'Obviously, the cost of living out there. High unemployment. And people's trauma as well. It's about unpacking it all to find out why people are addicted to methamphetamine. It ruins households, it ruins families, it ruins communities, it brings crime. Nothing will ever end good unless people stop taking it.' Ashby said the government's Resilience to Organised Crime in Communities ROCC programme, which had so far been rolled out in seven regions across New Zealand, was a good start. Although still in its early stages, ROCC aimed to stop people becoming addicted in the first place. 'It will build up resilience within whānau and prevent rangatahi [youth] from ever wanting to pick up the pipe, by making sure they're on the right pathway for education or employment, and not being led by gangs,' Ashby said. 'The focus needs to be upstream, we don't want to be the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff all the time. But the reality is, those who have addiction need support now. There's no magic wand for any of this.' While ROCC was 'a step in the right direction', more and sustainable investment in prevention was needed. Also desperately needed was comprehensive, culturally responsive residential treatment in mid-Northland for people who wanted to come off drugs. Currently most providers of those services, such as Grace Foundation and Higher Ground, were based in Auckland. Ashby said everyone would have to work together to tackle the meth conundrum. Police, MSD, iwi, Māori providers and local services such as Whakaoranga Whānau Recovery Hub were doing their best with the resources they had, she said. 'But without the right tools, good intentions can only go so far. It's time to match the scale of the response with the scale of the need.' While the meth problem was not new, it hit headlines last month when Ngāpuhi chairman Mane Tahere made a public call for more policing and direct funding for iwi organisations whose work was slowed by government red tape. Northland MP Grant McCallum subsequently met Tahere and Far North Mayor Moko Tepania, who lives in Kaikohe, as well as staff at the local medical centre. He was shocked by the stories they told him. They included accounts of a young man high on meth assaulting staff and 'causing mayhem' at the medical clinic, and of drug-induced family dysfunction with girls as young as 11 becoming pregnant. 'But the thing that just got me is, you know how when we were growing up, your dad might give you a sip of his beer or something when you're a young kid? Well, in some families, they're giving him a little bit of P.' McCallum said he was pleased Tahere and Ngāpuhi were standing up and saying they had had enough. 'We have to try and break this cycle. It won't be fixed in five minutes, but we have to start, and one of the key things we've got to do to help break that cycle is get children to school and keep them there,' McCallum said. In the longer term, he said the answer lay in a stronger local economy and a good education system, so people in towns like Kaikohe had well-paying jobs and children had options for their future. 'But ultimately – and this applies to any community, we're not picking on Kaikohe here, it's just the first cab off the rank – the community has to own this problem. If they don't want drugs in their community, they need to make it clear they don't want it in their community. And they need to push back and feed information through to the police when they find people dealing.' During a recent visit to Whangārei, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said the government was focussed on trying to stop drugs entering the border, coming down hard on dealers and organised crime, and taking a health-led approach to drug users. Although wastewater testing had shown a big jump in meth use, other data showed the number of users had not increased significantly. That suggested the same group of people was taking more meth, he said. Doocey offered a sliver of hope to organisations like Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi, who were calling out for more funding to prevent people becoming addicted in the first place. 'We're looking at the Proceeds of Crime Fund to fund some of that. When you look at some of the high-need areas like Northland, it will be a more targeted response. Also, we'll be looking at how we can resource existing services on the ground, who are already delivering, to scale up to the need,' he said. The Proceeds of Crime Fund, which reopened recently for applications after a three-year freeze, would now focus on reducing violent crime. Such crime was often driven by drugs, Doocey said. Meanwhile, back on the front line, Jade said collective action and more funding were vital. 'I'm not sure that heavy handedness in the justice system, and filling the jails in a system that isn't working for our people anyway, is the right solution,' he said. 'It's going to get worse unless we can get ahead of it, and work together in the same direction. I'm not saying we haven't done that in the past but it's going to need an even more collective approach. And I'm hoping people come with wallets open because it's going to need to be funded.' Scott highlighted the need for comprehensive residential treatment in Northland, so people didn't need to have to be shipped off to Auckland for help. 'You'll never stop drugs, but we can come together and try to minimise it. What that looks like, I don't know. Police are obviously under the pump out there, like everyone else,' he said. 'I think we need some more healing centres for whānau up here in Kaikohe. I don't like using the word rehabilitation. What's needed is a one-stop shop where people can reside, they can heal, get counselling, work on physical fitness, and the kids can go to school.'
